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Nandigram Bypoll Becomes Crucial Amid Disputed Voter Deletions
Nandigram is holding another election on October 6 because its previous representative left the seat.
The BJP wants to win by an even bigger margin than it did in April.
Opposition parties see the election as a chance to show they can challenge the BJP.
Thousands of people whose names were removed from the voter list still have appeals waiting to be decided.
That means they may not be able to vote in this election.
The Supreme Court did not agree to hear a request sooner to help resolve those cases before voting.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan says the election is important and has accused the BJP of encouraging religious divisions.
Some residents expect the BJP to win, but question whether it can reach its ambitious target.
The October 6 Nandigram by-election is being treated by the BJP and Opposition as a major political test.
The BJP is targeting a victory margin above one lakh, despite winning Nandigram by 9,665 votes in April.
Appeals by about 3,461 Nandigram voters whose names were deleted remain undecided; 3,271 are Muslim, according to cited survey data.
The Supreme Court declined to advance a hearing on interim voting measures, describing the contests as “only by-elections.”
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan says the contest is a chance to oppose BJP politics of division; he was jailed for 12 days and is now out on interim bail.
- Who
- Voters in Nandigram, the BJP, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, and other Opposition parties.
- What
- A by-election for the Nandigram seat, with appeals by thousands of deleted voters still pending.
- Where
- Nandigram, West Bengal.
- When
- October 6; the Supreme Court declined to advance the hearing on Monday, with the hearing scheduled for October 5.
- Why
- The election is a political test for the BJP and its opponents, while voters with pending deletion appeals seek a chance to vote.
Opposition and deleted voters
BJP and election authorities
Importance of the by-election
Opposition and deleted voters
Opposition candidate Milan Pradhan calls the election significant and says it is a chance to answer what he describes as BJP politics of division.
BJP and election authorities
The BJP regards the contest as a test of its organisational strength and seeks a margin above one lakh.
Voting rights for people with pending appeals
Opposition and deleted voters
Deleted voters and their supporters want authorities to resolve pending appeals in time for them to vote; they say their voting rights have been taken away.
BJP and election authorities
The Supreme Court declined to advance the hearing on interim voting measures, saying the elections were “only by-elections.”
Expected result
Opposition and deleted voters
Some voters questioned whether the BJP could achieve its targeted margin and noted that the party has many opponents.
BJP and election authorities
BJP leaders expressed confidence in a large lead and urged supporters, including migrant workers, to vote.
Key facts
- By-election date
- October 6
- Previous Nandigram result
- Suvendu Adhikari won by 9,665 votes in April.
- BJP target
- A margin above one lakh.
- Nandigram voters with pending deletion appeals
- About 3,461
- Muslim voters among those with pending appeals
- 3,271, or 94.5 per cent, according to data cited from the Sabar Institute.
- Congress candidate
- Milan Pradhan, who was released on interim bail after 12 days in custody.
- Supreme Court hearing
- The court declined a request to advance a hearing on interim measures; it was scheduled for October 5.
Quotes
Rozina Khatun
Nandigram resident whose voting rights were removed.
“Nandigram had never before seen Hindu-Muslim politics. Nandigram had been united since the 2007 land movement.”
telegraphindia.com
“We are living in fear of being driven out, worried about the future of our children.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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